There is one big thing in your house that may be the most difficult thing to get rid of. And no, it’s not because of its sentimental value; it’s because there are restrictions and limitations on how you can dispose of it.
It’s your mattress.
We’ve all seen mattresses lying near dumpsters, or even abandoned along the side of a roadway. But that’s not OK; don’t do that. And you can’t donate a used mattress; most collection centers will not take them. A third option is the landfill, but even there, you may be subject to additional disposal fees since mattresses are difficult to compact and take up a lot of room, and it is cumbersome to get a large mattress to the landfill in your family car.
If your mattress is relatively new or in good condition, post it on Craiglist (for sale or free) or give it away on Freecycle or your local service like Next Door. There is always somebody who is in need of a good mattress and who can take it off your hands for you.
Again, if it is in good condition, you may be able to donate it to an area charity that can pick it up from your home. Because of health concerns, not all charities will accept used mattresses. Try organizations like A Wider Circle (MD) or Pender ReGift Thrift Store (VA). Do not try to pass along dirty, stained, bug-infested or damaged mattresses.
Check with your mattress store or manufacturer to see if they provide a trade-in option when purchasing a new mattress.
Take apart your mattress yourself by cutting around the perimeter and peeling away the cloth. Remove the foam and soft materials and roll them into a compact bundle for the trash, then use a saw to cut apart any wooden structures. The box springs and other metals can be taken to the recycling center.
By far, the easiest method for disposing of a used mattress is to call 123JUNK. Give us a call to talk to one of our customer service representatives (we always answer the phone in person) and schedule a pickup. We’ll arrive and do the heaving lifting for you. And with our green initiative, we’ll find the best solution for healthy disposal.
123JUNK is a Minimum-Waste Junk Removal Services company serving the DMV.
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